P2 Professional

A m e r i C o r p s  P o s i t i o n  D e s c r i p t i o n
Position Title: Education Project and Programs Manager

Project Sponsor: Columbia Gorge Ecology Innstitute

NWSA Mission: This position is in partnership with the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an AmeriCorps program of ESD112. NWSA’s mission is: To preserve and restore the natural environment, and to develop community leaders through service and community partnerships. www.nwserviceacademy.org

Project Sponsor Mission: The mission of the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute (CGEI) is to provide life-long learning opportunities that foster a sense of wonder and community stewardship of the Columbia River Gorge. 

Project Location:  203 Second Street, Hood River, Oregon 97031

Position Summary: Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute is currently seeking an Education Project and Programs Manager. This position reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the incorporation of growing environmental science education and research programs, and habitat stewardship projects into the planning and full development of a master plan for the Snowden Wetlands Education Center.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
The Education Project and Programs Manager is responsible for managing the development of education, stewardship and science research programs in conjunction with the development of a master plan for the Snowden Wetlands Education Center.

The Education Project and Programs Manager will work closely with the CGEI Executive Director and AmeriCorps Interns, as well as collaborating with organizations and partners, working on the following tasks:

Snowden Wetlands Education Center Development and Programs

* Serve as primary coordinator of all CGEI activities with the development and planning of the Snowden Wetlands Educational Center.
* Assist in coordinating volunteers and advisory committee activities, and ensure safe and meaningful involvement in restoration, construction and education activities.
* Coordinate and supervise contractors and volunteers involved with Snowden Wetlands Educational Center development, including trails and facility construction, and program development for outdoor school programs.
* Assist in coordinating citizen science research and monitoring activities at Snowden Wetlands.

Stewardship, Restoration, and Education

* Managing all environmental stewardship, research and educational programs including staff and volunteer oversight, program development, and implementation.
* Provide leadership to intern staff in the design, implementation, and management of all education, research and stewardship programs, including citizen science research, habitat stewardship, school and after school programs related to Snowden Wetlands.
* Participate in regular staff meetings.
* Assist Executing Director and other staff in coordinating trainings for intern staff and volunteers.
* Other duties as assigned.

Project and Programs Management

* Assist the Executive Director in developing and tracking program budgets, Complete appropriate program grant reports and proposals in a timely manner
* Maintain program files, in-kind tracking, contacts and other pertinent information.
* Secure and coordinate assistance from interns, board, Executive Director, volunteers and partners as needed for ensuring program success.
* Assist the Executive Director (as needed) in grant proposal research, writing and editing grant proposals for Snowden Wetlands Education Center.
* Prepare and disseminate program related outreach materials, including brochures, website content, and newsletters.
* Build and maintain sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.
* Provide regular program reports to staff, board of directors and advisory committee.
* Attend monthly board meetings and advisory committee meetings.
* Build and maintain positive relations with project partners, funders and community members.
* Safety and risk management
* Other duties as assigned
* Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
* Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation and exit interviews.
* Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:

* At least two years professional experience in developing, administering, and/or implementing programs/projects in: biological field station, nature center and/or educational facility development; and extensive experience in the field of environmental science education programs.
* A bachelor’s degree in project and business management, environmental science, environmental education, education, or other related field.
* Demonstrated leadership ability.
* Project management, implementation and evaluation experience.
* Must possess attention to detail.
* Excellent organizational skills.
* Ability to show initiative, work independently, and in a team setting.
* Demonstrated commitment to life-long learning, science education, and environmental stewardship of our communities.
* Reliable personal vehicle and driver’s license for travel (reimbursable) in the Gorge-region.
* Must be available for occasional evening and weekend work associated with volunteer work parties and meetings.
* 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
* U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
* Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
* Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
* Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.
* Regular and reliable attendance.
* Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members may serve up to three terms in a National Service Program, but only two terms may be within an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members are only eligible for an education award for their first two terms of service, regardless of the type of term (full or part-time) and regardless of the successful completion of that term.

Preferred Qualifications:

* A Master’s degree in related field.
* Experience successfully writing grant proposals, preparing and managing project budgets.
* Professional experience coordinating volunteers.
* Experience and/or knowledge in sustainable building and construction.
* Experience teaching in classroom or outdoors.
* Spanish-speaking
* Positive attitude and ability to work with divers groups of people and individuals.
* Knowledge of natural ecosystems of the Columbia River Gorge Region, habitat restoration techniques, volunteer management principles, and environmental education methods.
Member Benefits Include:

* A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,250). * Training fund of up to $500.* Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an
 education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified
 student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning,
 vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.* Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will
 pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).* Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental
 not included). * Child care allowance for those who qualify.
* Professional development, training and networking opportunities
Transportation Information:

* Members must have a valid driver’s license.
* A shared pickup truck is available for use in traveling to the Snowden Wetland site and meetings for CGEI business. Use of this vehicle is covered by CGEI Insurance policy. This vehicle will not be available at all times, so it is preferred that they member has other reliable vehicle for transportation  to use when needed
* All approved travel in member’s personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the current mileage rate of $0.555/mile.
Application Deadline: October 19, 2009   NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center
Interviews: October 20-26     Type of Position: Professional Placement (P2)
Service Dates: November 2, 2009    Length of Term: 1700 hours (11-months)
How to apply:

Step 1 - Email the following items to the Project Sponsor for this position:  Aaron Morehouse at programs@gorgeecology.org
    * résumé
    * cover letter
    * contact information for three references

The Project Sponsor will conduct all initial interviews and recommend a candidate for this position. All recommended candidates will also interview with Northwest Service Academy.

Step 2 - Complete your application:
Application materials can either be completed online at the AmeriCorps website and submitted to an NWSA position or downloaded from the NWSA website “How to Apply” page and submitted to Margi Guilfoyle via email (preferable), mail or fax.  A complete Member application includes the following:

* AmeriCorps Application
* Two Written References – These are included in the AmeriCorps online application or a form is available on our website. 
* Certification Form - This document must be mailed or faxed to our office with an original signature.
Questions about the position? Contact: Aaron Morehouse at programs@gorgeecology.org  or 541.387.2274
General questions about AmeriCorps, NWSA or our recruitment process? Contact:

Margi Guilfoyle
Professional Placement (P2) Coordinator
NWSA Lower Columbia Center
55 SE Main Street
Portland, OR  97214
(503) 234-2383 ext 118
(503) 232-0166 (fax)
mailto:margi.guilfoyle@esd112.org
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER